CONSERVATION AGENT

The Town of Falmouth seeks a knowledgeable, collaborative, and service-oriented professional to join the busy Conservation Division of our Community Development Department as a full-time Conservation Agent. This position offers a rewarding opportunity to protect natural resources, address complex environmental issues, and help members of the community understand how wetlands regulations apply to their properties and projects.

Falmouth is an ecologically diverse coastal community with more than 2,000 acres of conservation land and extensive wetlands, coastal resources, and wildlife habitats. The Conservation Division supports the Conservation Commission in protecting these resources while providing residents, property owners, businesses, and professionals with clear, accessible, and consistent guidance through the regulatory process.

Under the direction of the Conservation Administrator, the Conservation Agent performs approximately 70% office-based administrative and technical work and 30% field-based environmental review. Key responsibilities include:

• Reviewing Requests for Determination of Applicability, Notices of Intent, Administrative Review applications, building permit applications, engineering plans, and property histories, and preparing technical recommendations and staff reports.
• Conducting site inspections, verifying wetland boundaries, monitoring compliance with permit requirements, and investigating and documenting possible wetlands violations.
• Assisting applicants with applicable requirements; preparing matters for Conservation Commission consideration, including public hearing notices and Orders of Conditions; verifying abutter information; and presenting at public meetings.
• Providing environmental and regulatory guidance and supporting conservation land management, priority-parcel identification, grant proposals, and coordination with Town departments, state agencies, and other organizations.

This position works 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and participates in Wednesday evening remote Conservation Commission meetings.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in the natural sciences, land use management, or a related field and a minimum of one (1) year of experience in conservation activities; or an equivalent combination of education, training, or experience that demonstrates possession of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.

The successful candidate will have working knowledge of applicable Massachusetts conservation laws and regulations, including the Wetlands Protection Act, local wetlands bylaws, and relevant subdivision rules and regulations. Knowledge of botany, geology, soil types and functions, and indigenous plant species is desirable. Candidates must be able to interpret regulations objectively, evaluate wetland boundaries, review complex engineering drawings, and communicate clearly and tactfully in both explanatory and regulatory situations. Strong attention to detail, critical thinking, organization, customer service, and follow-through are essential. Training may be provided in specialized areas to a candidate with a strong foundation in the position’s core requirements.

Possession of a valid Massachusetts Class D motor vehicle operator’s license is required.

Anticipated Starting Hourly Rate: Step 1 ($32.25/hour) - Step 3 ($34.88/hour), commensurate with qualifications and experience, with eligibility for annual advancement up to Step 7.

The Town offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes 13 paid holidays per year; vacation, sick, and personal leave; professional development opportunities; a Town contribution of up to 75% of the cost of health insurance; cost-effective dental, vision, life insurance, and disability plans; enrollment in the Town’s defined-benefit pension plan; and voluntary pre-tax and Roth 457(b) plans.

Preference Date to Apply: Monday, October 5, 2026 by 4:30 p.m. The position will remain open until filled, but candidates who apply by the preference date and time will receive priority consideration. Candidates are strongly encouraged to upload a cover letter and resume to the online application portal.

About the Town of Falmouth as an Employer: The Town of Falmouth is a people-centered municipality committed to public service excellence. We strive to foster an inclusive and supportive work culture grounded in professionalism, collaboration, and accountability, and we invest in our employees through ongoing training and professional development opportunities.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates. The Town offers competitive compensation , and benefit-eligible positions offer comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance and other valuable benefits , including participation in the Town's pension plan . All applicants must be able to interact and work effectively and respectfully with individuals and groups of various abilities, cultures, backgrounds, ages, and identities.